[Routine Order] SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS NO. 59/43 2I SQUADRON S.A.A.F. — Orders & Appendices

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SQUADRON ROUTINE ORDERS NO. 59/43 2I SQUADRON S.A.A.F.
By
MAJOR A.C. JANDRELL,
Act. COMMANDING OFFICER No. 2I Squadron.
Commanding Officer
No. 2I Squadron, SAAF.
Middle East,
18th August, 1943.
Para. 188: MALARIA. The local incidence of Malaria is increasing and full antimalarial precautions will therefore be adopted by all units in the Wing. Sicily and Italy must be regarded as equally dangerous areas and these precautions will be carried out at all times during all possible moves and until further notice.
1. Anti Larval.
(a) All local wells or exposed still waters will be kept oiled by the nearest hygiene squads.
(b) The practice of certain tents keeping 'private wells' is permissible but users will report them to the Senior Hygiene N.C.O., or M.O. and have such wells properly supervised.
2. PERSONNEL - PROTECTION OF.
(a) All persons will sleep under nets. Nets will be lowered one hour before sun-set.
(b) All persons will wear long sleeves, long trousers and keep their bodies fully clad up to the level of their necks, after sunset and until sunrise.
(c) The use of mosquito boots is permissable where these are available, between sunrise and sunset.
(d) For personnel whose duties necessitate periods in the open at nights, repellant cream will be available. In this connection it must be noted that repellant cream spread on exposed parts is effective for up to 2 hours thereafter it may attract, it should therefore be removed after 2 hours and fresh cream applied.
(e) Suppressive drugs will be used when ordered, and will be controlled by Unit M.O.'s Auth. 3 Wing A.R.O. 20/43 d.d. 26 July 43.
Para. 189: ANTI-MOSQUITO. A.R.O. 20/43 d.d. 26 July 43.
(a) Spraying. When spray guns and FLYSOL are available spraying will be carried out.
(b) In Messes and Kitchens. After evening meal hour, all edibles will be adequately covered from spray droplets.
(c) In living quarters. Tents or rooms should be closed whilst spraying is carried out and such quarters kept closed for at least half an hour. This should be done after sunset. Auth. 3 Wing A.R.O. 20/43 d.d. 26 July 43.
Para. 190. MAIL.
(a) It is notified for the information of all R.A.F. and any S.A.A.F. Personnel corresponding with relatives in the United Kingdom, that the following address must be used:—
No. Rank. Name. No. 2I. (S.A.A.F.) Squadron,
R.A.F., Central Mediterranean Forces.
(b) R.A.F. Personnel are informed that the IO penny Air Mail Letter Service to the U.K. has been discontinued. This is due to the increased speed in surface mail. No postage is necessary on surface letters up to 2 ounces.
(c) Personnel of all Air Force Units are allowed to refer to their presence in the Island in private mail.
Para. 191. WATER.
The water from the well near the Officers Mess is for drinking only.
Para. 192. CONTACT WITH LOCAL INHABITANTS:
Under no circumstances whatsoever are personnel allowed to mix or to have contact with local inhabitants. This instruction must be strictly P.T.O.

Transcriber's Notes

TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES
Abbreviations and Technical Terms Expanded
* S.A.A.F. / SAAF: South African Air Force.
* R.A.F.: Royal Air Force.
* Act.: Acting.
* N.C.O.: Non-Commissioned Officer.
* M.O.: Medical Officer.
* Auth.: Authority.
* A.R.O.: Air Routine Order.
* d.d.: Dated.
* U.K.: United Kingdom.
* P.T.O.: Please Turn Over.
Personnel and Individuals Mentioned
* Major A.C. Jandrell: Noted here as the Acting Commanding Officer. This is historically significant as Jandrell was a premier tactical lead for 21 Squadron, frequently leading large-scale "box" formations and high-stakes night "intruder" missions. His temporary command likely occurred while Lt. Col. J.F. Britz was on leave or attending higher-level briefings following the fall of Messina.
Location and Tactical Reality
* "The Island": Refers to Sicily (modern: Sicilia, Italy). By August 18, 1943, the SAAF had moved advanced elements from Malta onto Sicilian landing grounds like Cuticchi.
* Contact with Locals (Para. 192): The strict non-fraternization order ("mix or have contact") was a realistic necessity. It served multiple purposes: maintaining operational security, preventing friction with a recently defeated population, and—most critically—avoiding the spread of diseases like undulant fever or venereal infections.
Historical Context: The Hidden Enemy
* Malaria (Operation HUSKY Aftermath): This document was issued on the very day following the official conclusion of the Sicilian campaign. While combat fatalities were a constant threat, malaria proved to be a devastating force of attrition. In the Sicilian interior, the Anopheles mosquito thrived in stagnant water and wells.
* Hygiene Measures: The detail regarding "repellant cream" attracting mosquitoes after two hours highlights the primitive and often counter-intuitive nature of 1940s medical logistics. The use of FLYSOL (a pyrethrum-based insecticide) and compulsory long-sleeved clothing were standard, yet burdensome, requirements for airmen operating in the summer heat.
* Transition to Italy: The order explicitly identifies Italy as an "equally dangerous area". This confirms that on August 18, the SAAF command was already intensely focused on the logistical and health requirements of the upcoming invasion of the Italian mainland (Operation BAYTOWN).

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The date for this routine order, found on the first page of the document sequence, is 18th August, 1943.